Complete lack of information

Hi Ladies, I'm new to the group and am very glad I found you all, I already feel much better after reading your posts.

I am currently 24wks and was told at my 20wk scan that my placenta was completely covering the cervix. That was all I was told at this point.

I had an appointment with the consultant 2 days later, something I was scheduled to have anyway because this is my third child and the last was a section, something I was planning to elect for again.

The consultant gave me no information, I dont know where the placenta is, if its covering my previous scar or even to what degree it is covering the cervix, only that it is completely covering.

I had explained that I understood the chances of it moving are high if it is low lying or partially covering but they were less likely if it was completely covering, I asked if there was a percentage of the chance of it moving, as they say there is a 90% chance when it is not complete.

She told me that she had never seen a study to give me an answer.

She also told me to stop running and having sex, I asked what are the chances of a bleed if I continued with those things (not that I am) and she also said that she had no info.

There seems to be such mixed information out there, especially when it comes to exercise and sex, some Drs say dont do anything, some say continue with caution, some say cut out some things but not others, I'm quite confused.

My next scan is at 32 wks, but should I be asking for a scan before to see if the placenta is attached to my scar? I am at higher risk of accreta with previous sections etc but they didn't even mention it at my appointment and to the best of my knowledge the sonographer didn't even look for it.

I have read plenty of studies and looked up information now, so feel a lot better about the whole thing, but I left that appointment a wreck!

Thanks for any advice or pearls of wisdom you might have to offer, I know you can appreciate my situation.

Comments (12)

I know when I was told I had placenta previa which was completely covering a midwife gave me a tatty photocopied piece of paper with some info on and told me not to google it as there were lots of horror stories.....! I left feeling confused and did lots of research myself. I was told it was very unlikely to move as it was completely
Covering so I prepared myself for c section. They don't know what causes bleeds but from what I've researched and heard, most people have a warning bleed (small bleed) before any bigger bleeds. Definitely avoid sex as this can knock the placenta meaning it could bleed. I was told bleeding was most likely between 32-36 weeks and this is when everything stretches the most. I had my first bleed at 32+4. Up to this point is pretty much carried on as normal. Looking back I wish I'd taken things more easy.
I hope some of that helps?!

I've had the same experience as both of you really. A flyer with a bit of info but nothing much. I was feeling really shocked as was planning a home birth.

I called my midwife and made an appointment to discuss t all. She was really nice but like you've said, they won't be specific. Bleeds could happen, or not. Early labour could happen, or not. Placenta moving could happen, or not.

I know no one can say yes it'll happen or anything with any certainty but I asked her worst case scianrio for everything so I can be prepared.

That's the problem, no one can predict what will happen. I agree with Bobby, be prepared. Have a hospital bag packed earlier on, just in case you end up going in early so you're not worrying you haven't got what you need and apart from that try not to worry too much and take each day/week as it comes.

Great advice ladies, I'm pleased it's not just me that felt confused and out of the loop.
It seems that with so many cases of it that more studies/research would be done, but I guess it's just one of those things

I wasn't even told to abstain from sex!! My placenta was completely covering the os at 20 weeks. I was admitted at 37 weeks to the hospital so they could "keep an eye on me". I had no bleeds other than 2 very small spots. Once at 13 weeks when I'd had a nasty trip and one at 18 weeks after being on my feet being host to dd1s birthday party.

It depends on your area whether you have to be admitted. I had no choice in the matter. I was given a very strong warning and put the fear of God into because "I wouldn't make it to hospital in time to save me or the baby" if I had a bleed at home.

I researched myself what I should and shouldn't do but, to be honest I carried on much like normal. I didn't run etc though xx

I had a further 3 internal scans after the 20 week one and my placenta moved to 1.5cm to the os why I still wasn't enough for a natural delivery. To be honest though, having been in hospital for 2 weeks until my elective I did get upset when they started talking about a natural delivery. I'd prepared myself. I knew when it was all going to be over.

I was lucky, although it was stressful, everything went without a hitch. I will say my advice would be look after yourself. Don't push yourself. Stay off your feet as much as you can and if they tell you you have to be admitted, don't be surprised and know they are doing their upmost to look after you.

There are horror stories but, some people don't have any issues xx just be prepared and make sure people know you have this and what to do if you have a bleed xx good luck xx

I appreciate your frustration, I'm almost 33 weeks with complete previa and am just playing the waiting game at the moment. Had my 32 week scan on monday where consultant booked me in for the planned caesarean at a few days before my 40 weeks due date! But told me looking at history (dd was also previa with the 'warning ' bleed at 35weeks and emcs at 37 weeks from another bleed after 2 weeks hospital stay) to expect a bleed/cs sooner, but better for baby if body decides it's time rather than doctors as less likely to need help. I understand and agree but it doesn't make it any easier to be walking around expecting every minute to start bleeding! I have 3 yo I really don't want to scare also. Anyway my bags are packed and plans are in place so am just avoiding sex and running and heavy lifting etc and trying to carry on elsewise 😕

I was given very little info. A bit of paper, told not to Google, that was about it. I had complete placenta praevia, found at 20 week scan. I was also a sahm to my 6,3 & 2 year olds. I was on my feet a lot and just carried on as normal because, basically, no-one said not to! Big mistake. All was fine till 34+1 then had a really sharp pain, followed by a small bleed. Was admitted to hospital and 12 hours later I haemorrhaged. I had already had 3 emergency sections and they thought my placenta had grown into my previous scars so made me sign a form to consent to an emergency hysterectomy. So I ended up with emcs#4 and a poorly baby at 34+2 (not enough time for steroid injections so he struggled to breathe after birth). Luckily didn't need the hysterectomy, but was a very scary time. Can't stress enough how important it is to take things easy, especially in the later weeks. I literally had no problems right up till the 'big' bleed, so no warning signs. You don't necessarily have to stay in bed, but if you feel like you're overdoing things, listen to your body and rest. I've always been one to say "I'm pregnant, not ill!" but with placenta praevia it can actually become life-threatening to both you and baby very quickly, so I consider that to be the exception! Ask the midwives/consultants as many questions as you need to, don't be fobbed off and please look after yourself. Wishing you all the best.

The hardest thing is the ticking time bomb we are sitting on, and you're absolutely right, I have the same mentality of "I'm pregnant, not sick!" the problem is you just don't know if you're over doing it until its too late.

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